On the search of size- and shape-controlled metal chalcogenide cluster compounds

Hg(TePh)2 (Ph = phenyl) reacts with CdI2(PPh3)2, PPhMe2 (Me = methyl), and PPh3/Zn(NO3)2·4H2O to give the compounds [Hg4(TePh)7IPy]n (Py = pyridine) (1), [Hg8Te(TePh)14(PPhMe2)2]·0.5DMF (DMF = dimethylformamide) (2) and [Hg11(TePh)18Te2Py3]n (3). While 1 and 3 assemble polymeric clusters, 2 can be described as a super tetrahedron with a Te2- ion located in the center. The geometric topology of cluster 3, together with some experimental evidences, suggests that its core is attained by the spontaneous fusion of clusters 1 and 2.